The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has said 2017 was a record year for US beef exports, which exceeded $7 billion for just the second time.

Total beef exports for 2017 were 1.26 million tonnes, an increase of 6% compared to 2016. This was the fourth-largest volume on record. The value of these exports was $7.27 billion, 15% higher than in 2016 and 2% above the previous record, which was achieved in 2014.

“This was a remarkable year for beef exports, in our mainstay markets in northern Asia as well as in emerging destinations in South America, Southeast Asia and Africa,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “The US beef industry gained significant market share in Japan despite considerable obstacles and posted a record-breaking performance in South Korea and Taiwan.”